As an indie author, you’re likely no stranger to the world of self-publishing. What was once considered a last resort for writers who couldn’t get traditionally published is now a thriving industry that’s giving traditional publishing a run for its money. And with good reason – self-publishing offers a level of creative control, flexibility, and financial freedom that traditional publishing simply can’t match. In this post, we’ll explore why self-publishing is the future of indie authors and how you can get started on your own self-publishing journey.
The Rise of Self-Publishing
In the past, self-publishing was often seen as a vanity project – something that only desperate authors resorted to when they couldn’t get a “real” publishing deal. But with the rise of digital publishing and online platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and CreateSpace, self-publishing has become a viable and lucrative option for many writers. According to a report by Author Earnings, in 2017, self-published authors earned 31% of all ebook sales on Amazon – a staggering figure that’s only expected to grow in the coming years.
So what’s driving this trend? For one, self-publishing allows authors to maintain creative control over their work. With traditional publishing, authors often have to compromise on edits, cover designs, and even the title of their book. But with self-publishing, authors get to make those decisions themselves, ensuring that their vision is brought to life exactly as they intended.
The Benefits of Self-Publishing
So what are the benefits of self-publishing? Here are just a few:
- Higher royalties**: With self-publishing, authors can earn up to 70% of the cover price of their book, compared to the 10-15% offered by traditional publishers.
- Faster time-to-market**: Self-published authors can get their books to market in a matter of weeks, compared to the months or even years it can take with traditional publishing.
- Greater creative control**: As mentioned earlier, self-publishing allows authors to maintain control over every aspect of their book, from editing to cover design.
- More flexibility**: Self-published authors can make changes to their book at any time, whether it’s to update the content or change the cover design.
In addition to these benefits, self-publishing also offers authors the opportunity to build a loyal reader base and connect with their audience in a more meaningful way. By having direct control over their book’s distribution and marketing, self-published authors can build a loyal following and enjoy a more sustainable writing career.
Getting Started with Self-Publishing
So how do you get started with self-publishing? Here are a few tips to get you on your way:
- Write a great book**: This might seem obvious, but it’s essential to have a well-written, edited, and polished manuscript before you start thinking about self-publishing. Check out our Chapbook Checklist: 10 Essentials for a Polished Manuscript for some helpful tips.
- Choose the right platform**: There are many self-publishing platforms to choose from, including Amazon KDP, CreateSpace, Lulu, and Smashwords. Do your research and choose the one that best fits your needs.
- Design a professional cover**: Your cover design is often the first thing potential readers will see, so make sure it’s professional and eye-catching. You can use design tools like Canva or hire a professional designer.
- Format your book correctly**: Formatting your book correctly is essential for a professional-looking final product. Check out our post on DIY Book Formatting Mistakes to Avoid for some helpful tips.
Once you’ve got your manuscript, platform, cover, and formatting in place, it’s time to start thinking about marketing and promotion. This can include building an email list, running social media ads, and reaching out to book bloggers and reviewers. Remember, self-publishing requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but the rewards can be well worth it.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
In conclusion, self-publishing is the future of indie authors. With its flexibility, creative control, and financial freedom, it’s an option that’s hard to ignore. By following these tips and staying focused on your goals, you can build a successful self-publishing career and bring your writing dreams to life.
If you’re new to self-publishing, it can seem overwhelming at first, but with the right tools and resources, you can create a beautiful, professional-looking book that will resonate with readers. Remember to stay focused, stay patient, and most importantly, keep writing. The future of indie authors is bright, and with self-publishing, the possibilities are endless.